they serve us over the years. they serve us for liberty, for freedom, for hope and prosperity. i love all the verses in that wonderful him "america the beautiful," but one in particular stands out. oh, beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country love and mercy more than life. will our veterans and members of the armed serviceforces please your hand and stand and be recognized? our schools, our churches, our families. our nation. i think about my sister. my sister, lynn, who is in her 70s. her husband died a few years ago. she has eight children, seven of them married, kids of their own. the eighth child was born down syndrome. he is now 43 years old. he lives at home with his mom and she devotes her time and her care to helping that child and has all of his life, for 43 years. she's a hero to me. i love america's moms, single moms, dads that make a difference for their families. this christmas, i'm thinking of all the couples that are not going to be exchanging gifts with one another so they can make sure to have a great christmas for thei